Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) For Startups
Under SISFS (Startup India Seed Fund Scheme) by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
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Quick Answer
Govt seed grant up to ₹20L + ₹50L debt for DPIIT-recognised tech startups, via approved incubators. New applications closed on 31 May 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹20L – ₹50L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Registrations needed
- DPIIT recognition
Results
Applications for this round closed on 31 May 2026. 3,651 selected startups are listed below.
- BAKATA CONSULTING LLP
Madhya Pradesh · grantee
- BONSTER ORTHO PRIVATE LIMITED
Gujarat · grantee
DHAKSHI VENTURES PRIVATE LIMITED
Tamil Nadu · grantee
- DISTRISY TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED
Uttar Pradesh · grantee
- RESLINK TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED
Uttar Pradesh · grantee
SKILLS CARAVAN PRIVATE LIMITED
Haryana · grantee
VEDICFY WELLNESS PRIVATE LIMITED
Gujarat · grantee
- 24COLOURKICKS PRIVATE LIMITED
Maharashtra · grantee
- 2AN TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED
Maharashtra · grantee
- 32INTACT HEALTHCARE PRIVATE LIMITED
Uttar Pradesh · grantee
- 34 Ideas Thinklab Private Limited
Madhya Pradesh · grantee
- 369 ZOSSWATER PRODUCTS PRIVATE LIMITED
Maharashtra · grantee
+3,639 more selected startups.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) is a Government of India program launched by DPIIT in April 2021 with a total corpus of ₹945 crore. It provides seed-stage financial support to early-stage startups that have a validated idea or early prototype but cannot yet attract angel or venture capital investment.
Application status: The official SISFS portal says the window for new startup applications closed on 31 May 2026 at 11:59 PM (IST), and incubators could complete their selections until 30 June 2026.
The scheme targets approximately 3,600 startups through a network of around 300 DPIIT-approved incubators across India. The corpus is ₹945 crore for four years from 2021-22 (PIB). A Rajya Sabha reply of 20 Dec 2024 reported 213 incubators selected and 2,490 startups selected as of 31 October 2024.
How Does SISFS Work?
Funds are not disbursed directly by the government. DPIIT allocates capital to approved incubators, which then evaluate applications and release funds to selected startups. An Experts Advisory Committee (EAC) oversees incubator selection and scheme implementation.
Each incubator constitutes an Incubator Seed Management Committee (ISMC) — comprising domain experts, VC and angel investor representatives, state government nominees, and experienced entrepreneurs — to evaluate and select startups for funding.
How Much Funding Can a Startup Get?
| Support Type | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Grant | Up to ₹20 lakh | Proof of concept, prototype development, product trials |
| Debt / Convertible Debentures | Up to ₹50 lakh | Market entry, commercialization, scaling |
Grant funds are released in milestone-based tranches. Debt instruments carry interest at no more than the prevailing RBI repo rate, a tenure of up to 5 years, and a moratorium of up to 12 months. Loans are unsecured — no collateral or personal guarantee required. Funds go directly to the startup's bank account.
A startup can avail both the grant and the debt support — once each — under the scheme.
Who Should Apply?
SISFS is for tech-driven startups at idea or MVP stage that are DPIIT-recognized and less than 2 years old at the time of application. The scheme is sector-agnostic, but incubators give preference to startups in healthcare, agriculture, biotech, social impact, clean energy, waste management, water management, financial inclusion, education, mobility, defense, and space.
Documents Required
- DPIIT recognition certificate
- Certificate of incorporation
- PAN card and Aadhaar of founders
- Shareholding pattern / cap table showing ≥51% Indian promoter holding
- Business plan or pitch deck
- Prototype details or proof of concept documentation
- Financial projections and fund utilization plan
- Bank account details (cancelled cheque or statement)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can individual entrepreneurs apply for SISFS?
No. Only DPIIT-recognized entities incorporated as Private Limited Companies, LLPs, or Registered Partnerships are eligible. Sole proprietors and individuals cannot apply.
How many incubators can I apply to?
You can apply to up to 3 participating incubators simultaneously. If more than one selects you, funding comes from your highest-preference incubator that selects you.
Is DPIIT recognition mandatory?
Yes. Your startup must be recognized under Startup India before applying. You can get recognition at startupindia.gov.in.
Is there any application fee?
No. Zero fees at every stage — application, selection, disbursement, and monitoring. Incubators are prohibited from charging any fees to applicants or beneficiaries.
What if my startup has already received government funding?
You are ineligible if you have received more than ₹10 lakh in monetary support from any Central or State Government scheme. Prize money, subsidized workspace, lab access, and monthly founder allowances are excluded from this limit.
How long does selection take?
The ISMC selects startups within 45 days of receiving the application.
Can I reapply after a rejection?
Yes. You can reapply after 3 months from the date of rejection.
What can the funds not be used for?
Seed funds cannot be used to create physical facilities or infrastructure. They must be used strictly for the purpose stated in the agreement — R&D, product development, trials, or market entry.
What happens if the startup fails?
The entrepreneur submits a report covering learnings and reasons for failure, along with an audited utilization certificate. Loans are unsecured, so no personal liability applies beyond the incubator agreement terms.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is part of India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its Startup India section runs the Startup India initiative, launched on 16 January 2016, and issues the DPIIT startup recognition certificate that most…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- ₹20L – ₹50L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Provides a seed grant of up to ₹20 lakh for proof of concept/prototype development and unsecured debt/convertible debentures of up to ₹50 lakh for market entry/scaling. Funds are milestone-based, with unsecured loans (no collateral/guarantee) at low interest, up to 5-year tenure, and 12-month moratorium. No application fees are charged at any stage.
- Disbursement
- Tranched
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications are submitted to preferred incubators for eligibility checks and shortlisting. The Incubator Seed Management Committee (ISMC) evaluates shortlisted startups. A pitch or presentation before the ISMC may be required. Final selection is communicated within 45 days.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DPIIT recognition mandatory to apply?
Yes. Your startup must be recognised under the Startup India initiative before applying. You can obtain DPIIT recognition for free at startupindia.gov.in. Without it, your application cannot be processed.
How much funding can a startup receive under SISFS?
A startup can receive up to ₹20 lakh as a grant (for proof of concept or prototype) and separately up to ₹50 lakh as unsecured debt or convertible debentures (for market entry or scaling). Both can be availed once each under the scheme.
Is the funding equity-free and does it need to be repaid?
The grant component (up to ₹20 lakh) is fully equity-free and does not need to be repaid. The debt/convertible debenture component (up to ₹50 lakh) is a loan at a low interest rate (not exceeding the RBI repo rate) with up to a 5-year tenure and a 12-month moratorium. No collateral or personal guarantee is required.
Can I apply directly to DPIIT for this funding?
No. Funds are not disbursed directly by the government. DPIIT allocates capital to DPIIT-approved incubators, which then evaluate applications and release funds to selected startups. You apply through the SISFS portal and select up to 3 participating incubators.
What is the age limit for startups to apply?
Your startup must have been incorporated not more than 2 years before the date of application. The startup must also be a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership — sole proprietors cannot apply.
Can a startup that has already received government funding apply?
You are ineligible if you have received more than ₹10 lakh in monetary support from any Central or State Government scheme. However, prize money, subsidised workspace, lab access, and monthly founder stipends are excluded from this ₹10 lakh limit.
What is the total corpus of the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme?
₹945 crore, approved for four years from 2021-22. DPIIT does not pay startups directly; it allocates the money to approved incubators, which select startups.
Is SISFS accepting new applications?
No. The official SISFS portal says the window for new startup applications closed on 31 May 2026 at 11:59 PM (IST), and incubators could complete their selections until 30 June 2026. Check seedfund.startupindia.gov.in for any new call.
What is the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)?
SISFS is a DPIIT scheme that provides financial assistance to early-stage startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization. It was launched on 19 April 2021 with a ₹945 crore corpus, and the funds are disbursed to selected startups through a national network of empanelled incubators.
Is the ₹5 crore figure the amount a startup gets?
No. The ₹5 crore is the grant DPIIT provides to a selected incubator, which the incubator then uses to fund multiple startups. An individual startup receives up to ₹20 lakh as a grant and up to ₹50 lakh as debt or convertible debentures — not ₹5 crore.
Who is eligible to apply as a startup?
A DPIIT-recognised startup incorporated not more than 2 years ago, with an innovative idea that has market fit and scope for commercialization and scaling, technology at its core, and at least 51% Indian promoter shareholding. The startup must not have received more than ₹10 lakh of monetary support under any other Central or State government scheme.
Can an individual entrepreneur apply?
No. Individual entrepreneurs are not eligible. You must apply as an incorporated startup (a registered company), not as a single individual.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
News
- 9 startups secure Rs.1 cr under SISFS initiativenagalandpost.com · last month
- 9 Nagaland startups secure ₹1 crore seed funding under SISFSnagalandtribune.in · last month
Source: Google News aggregated
